A gunman opened fire outside the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on Monday morning, July 28, 2025, killing three people and injuring three others before police shot and critically wounded the suspect. The shooting occurred around 7:25 a.m. in the valet area of the resort.
The gunman, identified as 26-year-old Dakota Hawver of Reno, died on Thursday from injuries sustained during the shootout with police officers. Hawver had no prior criminal history or documented mental health issues, according to investigators.
The three victims killed in the attack were Justin Aguila, 33, of Southern California; Andrew Canepa, 33, of Southern California; and Angel Martinez, 66, of the Reno-Sparks area. Sparks Police reported that Aguila and Canepa were in town for a bachelor party with several friends when they were shot from behind while waiting for a ride to the airport in the valet area.
The shooting began when Hawver walked into the resort’s parking lot and valet area with a 9mm handgun. His weapon initially malfunctioned when he pointed it at a group of people, but he was able to make it operational and began firing multiple shots. Five people were shot in the valet area, with one declared dead at the scene and another dying later at a hospital.
After the initial shooting, Hawver fled through the parking lot where he encountered a casino security guard. The gunman opened fire on the security officer, who returned fire. As Hawver continued moving through the parking lot, he shot Martinez, who was driving his vehicle through the area. Martinez was declared dead at the scene.
Reno police officers arrived at the scene within approximately two and a half minutes of receiving the initial calls about an active shooter. When officers located Hawver on the northwest side of the property, he confronted them with his weapon. Officers returned fire, striking the gunman and sending him to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators determined that Hawver fired approximately 80 rounds during the rampage, using multiple magazines he had brought to the scene. He had legally purchased the handgun about two years prior and recently bought the ammunition. Authorities found no connection between Hawver and any of the victims or the casino itself.
Of the three people injured in the shooting, two were initially in critical condition but are now expected to make full recoveries. The third injured person was treated and released from the hospital. At least one police officer suffered minor injuries, believed to be from glass fragments, and at least one patrol car was struck by bullets during the exchange of gunfire.
Ventura County Supervisor Jeff Gorell identified Canepa as a co-owner of Side Street Cafe in Newbury Park. Gorell described Canepa as a dedicated business owner and loving father to his young son. Friends remembered Canepa as one of the nicest people they had ever met, always welcoming and supportive of the community.
Sparks Police Chief Chris Crawforth said, “At this time, we have no reason to believe there’s a connection between any of the victims and the suspect.” The motive for the shooting remains unknown as the investigation continues.
The Sparks Police Department is leading the investigation due to Reno Police Department policies regarding officer-involved shootings. The six Reno police officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such cases.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and other city officials expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised the rapid response of first responders. The mayor emphasized that while details of the investigation were still emerging, she was grateful for the courage and efforts of regional first responders and medical personnel.
Grand Sierra Resort officials confirmed that none of their employees were injured in the incident. The resort thanked their security team and first responders for their quick response and expressed heartbreak over the violence that occurred in their parking area.
The Grand Sierra Resort claims to have the largest casino floor in northern Nevada and is located less than three miles east of downtown Reno. A multifaith candlelight vigil honoring the victims was scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Unity Center of Reno.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/reno-grand-sierra-resort-casino-shooting/
https://abcnews.go.com/US/hurt-shooting-casino-reno-police/story?id=124142754
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/multiple-people-injured-reno-hotel-casino-shooting-rcna221532
https://www.kcra.com/article/reno-gsr-resort-shooting-victims-identified/65545469
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/28/us/reno-shooting-grand-sierra-resort
